LATTA, SC (WBTW) – Thursday morning, Latta Police Chief Crystal Moore released a statement via Facebook mentioning her suspension Tuesday and also revealing a health issue.
The statement comments on the temporary suspension, but doesn’t go into detail about why. The post does say that Moore is “proud of the work I’ve done as Latta’s Police Chief and stand by my record of honesty and accountability.”
Councilman Edward Bethea said Tuesday morning that the suspension was a personnel matter and “no other details will be released at this time.”
The post also addresses rumors of health concerns and says that Moore was recently diagnosed with Sarcoma, a type of cancer that affects soft tissue.
Moore had what was believed to be a cyst at the base of her thumb but underwent a successful surgery in April. Doctors are positive about her chances of beating it, but Moore will still undergo chemotherapy to prevent the cancer from coming back, the post says.
The Latta Police Chief says she is still running for Sheriff of Dillon County despite the suspension and her recent diagnosis.
“I’m telling you right now-it may put me down, but it will not put me out,” Moore said.
If Moore wins the Dillon County Sheriff election, she will become the first elected female sheriff in the state as well as the first openly gay person to win.
Latta Town Administrator Jarrett Taylor said Derrick Cartwright has been named interim police chief during Moore’s suspension.
